Dalton McGuinty’s move to block the Auditor General from probing
a controversial slush fund shows the premier has broken his promise to run an open and accountable government, NDP Leader Howard Hampton says.

Today, the Liberal-dominated Public Accounts Committee voted down two motions to bring in the respected, independent, non-partisan Auditor General to examine the fairness of the Ontario government’s year-end grant program for cultural groups. Over the last two years, most cultural organizations serving immigrants have been denied a chance to apply for millions of dollars in funding. That’s because there is no application process, no criteria, no transparency and no accountability.

In some cases, money is going to groups with no expertise serving New Canadians. That includes the Iranian Canadian Community Centre. Its director is president of the Richmond Hill Ontario Liberal riding association.

Instead of bringing in the Auditor General to shine a light on the program, the McGuinty Liberals made sure the facts remain hidden between now and the election.

“Dalton McGuinty has denied working families some transparency and accountability. He did it by having his backbenchers in the public accounts committee vote down having the Auditor General investigate the year-end slush fund,” Hampton said.

“What is Dalton McGuinty afraid of? Why won’t he bring in the Auditor General to investigate the Liberal slush fund? Why won’t he allow a report back before the election? What does he have to hide” Hampton asked.